Fans' verdict: Hawks' No.1 battler? It isn't Ty

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THE MALIGNED Ty Vickery is not Hawthorn's biggest underperformer so far in 2017.

According to fans giving their mid-season verdict on the Hawks in an AFL.com.au survey, the unwanted tag goes to premiership hero Josh Gibson, who is sidelined with a groin injury as the Hawks resume after their bye in 17th spot on the ladder.

Vickery is a close second in fans' voting, followed by Jack Gunston, whose five goals against the Suns in round 12 was his season highlight.

Supporters have accepted the Hawk's invincible reign is over, with 62 per cent of fans conceding their team will finish the year in the bottom five.

It's a new-look group of players representing the Hawks this year, and over three-quarters of fans have voted star recruit Tom Mitchell as the team's best performer, with young gun Ryan Burton also getting votes.

Here are the full survey results, plus a selection of Hawks' fans views on what would salvage a successful season.

It'll be a good year for the Hawks if …

We can continue to develop kids and become more competitive in the back half of the year.- Bailey Rodger, Launceston Tas

Jaegar gets fit and we find a way back into the draft without losing big-name players.- Matt Allen, Turramurra NSW

We get games into youngsters and look at trading out mid-range players for draft picks. Begin the rebuild.- Mike Smith, Swan View WA

We beat the Cats. Then every Hawks supporter is happy for the rest of summer.- Seth O'Donnell, Springvale Vic

Jaegar can come good in the second half of the year and Ryan Burton wins the Rising Star.- Raymond Ibrahim, Mount Martha Vic

We can nurture our untapped young talent while handling the exit of our champions with grace and respect.- Harley Cooper, Melbourne Vic

We can trick St Kilda to get our draft pick back.- Thomas Godfrey, Mirboo North Vic